RaymondT.Jackson

Raymond T. Jackson 1932-2012 WEST SPRINGFIELD - Raymond Thomas Jackson, 80, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 15th, 2012. He was the son of the late John and Myra Jackson of Denver CO. He grew up in Denver, and attended Lakewood High School, and having received a basketball scholarship, he went to Colorado State University. Ray loved life, and his aversion to (the Korean ) war, led him to apply to CSU veterinary school, where he graduated in 1957 as a DVM. Following his idol, Ted Williams, he moved to Massachusetts and joined the SPCA, and subsequently started the Boston Rd Animal Hospital. He then partnered with Clyde Shouse and began the Agawam Animal Hospital and later the West Springfield Animal Hospital. He retired in 1998 from veterinary medicine and avidly pursued retirement, which he thoroughly enjoyed, despite leaving a career that touched the lives of so many clients and their pets over the years. He is survived by his life's love of 55 yrs, Joan Jackson, two sons, Scott Jackson of Albuquerque NM, Kyle Jackson MD, of Greensboro NC, and favorite (only) daughter, Laura Jackson and her husband John DeVine of Wilbraham, MA. Also surviving him are 5 grandchildren, his namesake; Raymond T Jackson ll, Ian, Erin , Julia ,and Jack. He will also be especially missed by his former daughter-in-law, Carswell Jackson. He has joined his deceased brother, Frank, and is survived by a sister, Alice, and a brother Donald. The will be many nieces and nephews who feel his loss. His love for art and music led him and Joan to pursue many interests. He and Joan traveled to London for over twenty years to enjoy the theatre, and locally he was a patron of Stage West from nearly it's beginning, until it's end, ultimately serving as a board member. Many of you knew him as he served his community on the boards of WGBY , AAA, and the West Springfield Board of Health. Perhaps, the second loves of his life were the enjoyment of wine, gardening, and golf. Ray taught many a person how to appreciate a glass of wine, invited countless people to his house to share the beauty of his yard, and with his good friends, sought the perfect swing on endless golf courses. Many will read this and recall his giggle, and recollect in the small, but precious joy Ray felt from winning a $2 bet from a friend on a round of golf. Ray would have loved to live longer and and in addressing all the future good times he will miss, he would today grouse ......... "Crap on a crutch". With a glass of wine, please toast Ray's love of life tonight. On May 5th at 11:00, please join friends and family in a celebration of Ray's life at Mittineague Congregational Church, 1840 Westfield St., W. Springfield. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice Life Care of Holyoke (who were angels in his parting hours) 113 Hampden St, Holyoke MA 01040 or to WGBY-Channel 57, 44 Hampden St, Spfld, MA 01103. Toomey-O'Brien Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.